A Comparative Study on Overall Wellbeing among Working and Non-Working Women

Abstract

This study examines the overall well-being of working and non-working women aged 25–45 years in Hyderabad, Telangana by assessing various socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors. A comparative cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 102 purposively selected participants—51 working and 51 non-working women. The objective was to evaluate key aspects influencing women\'s health and lifestyle, including dietary intake (energy, protein, iron), Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity levels, psychological stress, sleep quality, and quality of life. Data collection tools included anthropometric measurements, a 24-hour dietary recall, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and WHOQOL-BREF. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were applied, using a significance level of p < 0.05. Results indicated no statistically significant association between employment status and variables like BMI, physical activity, sleep quality, or protein and iron intake. However, significant associations were found between employment status and energy intake (p < 0.05), overall nutrient adequacy (p < 0.05), and stress levels (p < 0.05). Working women showed higher stress but tended to have greater quality of life. Non-working women, while more nutritionally adequate in terms of energy intake, experienced higher levels of stress and lower perceived quality of life. The findings highlight the interconnected role of employment and lifestyle factors in shaping women’s health and wellness. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to support both working and non-working women in achieving optimal well-being.

Introduction

A. Women’s Well-being

Women’s well-being encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social health. According to WHO (2023), well-being is the ability to handle daily stress, be productive, and participate in society. Key influencers include education, employment, healthcare, and social support. However, women, especially in developing countries, face barriers such as gender-based violence, lack of autonomy, and restricted rights, requiring an intersectional approach to address these challenges.

B. Global Female Literacy

The global female literacy rate is 83% (vs. 90% for males), with India at 70.3% for women and 84.7% for men. Literacy improves women’s health awareness, decision-making, and workforce participation. However, regional disparities persist due to poverty, cultural norms, and infrastructure gaps. Countries like Finland and Japan have near-universal literacy, unlike India and Nigeria, which struggle due to social and economic barriers.

C. Women’s Literacy in India

Despite progress, gender gaps in literacy remain wide in India. States like Kerala show high female literacy due to educational investment, while states like Rajasthan lag due to patriarchy, early marriage, and poor schooling. Literacy is tied to maternal health, fertility, employment, and national development.

D. Employment Status

India's female labor force participation is about 37% (PLFS, 2023), compared to 76% for men. States like Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh show higher female employment due to progressive policies. Many women remain out of the workforce due to societal roles, lack of childcare, and poor job security. Non-working women contribute significantly through unpaid labor, which is often unrecognized.

E. Common Health Complaints

Women's health issues include anemia, musculoskeletal pain, and mental disorders. Working women face fatigue, poor nutrition, and stress, while non-working women are more prone to obesity, hypertension, and reproductive issues due to inactivity and household burdens.

F. Nutrition and Deficiencies

Both working and non-working women face nutritional challenges. Working women may skip meals or rely on processed foods, while non-working women often lack access to quality food. Over 53% of Indian women are anemic. Patriarchal food distribution and time constraints affect women’s nutrition significantly.

G. Physical Activity

Many women, especially non-working ones, lead sedentary lives, contributing to obesity and lifestyle diseases. Working women may not find time for exercise. WHO recommends 150 minutes of activity per week. Community programs and workplace wellness initiatives are essential.

H. Stress and Mental Health

Women face stress from different sources—working women from job pressure and family balance, and non-working women from isolation and lack of identity. Depression and anxiety are more common in women due to both hormonal and societal factors. Targeted mental health programs are needed.

I. Sleep Quality

Poor sleep is common among women due to stress and responsibilities. Working women suffer from work-related sleep disturbances, while non-working women may experience insomnia due to emotional distress or unstructured routines. Poor sleep contributes to long-term health issues.

J. Quality of Life

Employment generally enhances women’s autonomy, self-esteem, and satisfaction. However, it can also bring stress. Non-working women may find satisfaction through caregiving roles if emotionally supported. Overall life satisfaction depends on social, emotional, and financial factors—not just employment status.

Key Focus of the Study

This research compares the well-being of working and non-working women, focusing on:

• Nutrition intake (energy, protein, iron)

• BMI

• Physical activity

• Stress levels

• Sleep quality

• Quality of life

Objectives

1. Compare macronutrient intake (energy, protein, iron) of working vs. non-working women.

2. Assess BMI and physical activity levels in both groups.

3. Evaluate psychological stress and sleep quality.

4. Compare perceived quality of life.

5. Analyze the overall well-being based on these parameters.

Methodology

• Study Area: Hyderabad, Telangana

• Design: Comparative cross-sectional study

• Sample Size: 102 women (51 working, 51 non-working), aged 25–45

• Sampling Method: Purposive sampling

• Pilot Study: Conducted on 10 participants to validate tools and exclude them from the final sample.

Conclusion

The comparative analysis reveals that working and non-working women share many similarities in health patterns but also face unique challenges tied to their employment status. While working women may benefit from greater autonomy, social engagement, and better perceived quality of life, they also encounter elevated stress and irregular dietary patterns due to busy schedules. On the other hand, non-working women, although more likely to engage in physical activity and have better energy intake in some cases, often report poorer quality of life and face emotional challenges stemming from social isolation or lack of recognition. Statistical analysis confirmed significant associations between employment status and key indicators such as stress levels, energy intake, and overall nutrient sufficiency. However, factors such as BMI, physical activity, protein and iron intake, sleep quality, and general quality of life did not differ significantly based on employment status, indicating that these aspects are shaped more by individual lifestyle and socioeconomic conditions rather than work participation alone. Overall, this study underscores the complexity of women\'s well-being and the importance of context-sensitive health and policy interventions. Addressing nutrition, mental health, and support systems—both in the home and workplace—is essential to improving the well-being of all women, regardless of employment status. Tailored strategies that recognize the unique experiences of both working and non-working women will be key in promoting gender-equitable health outcomes in modern

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Safura Mahjabeen, Mariyam Fatima, Sadath Fatima. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.